Festivities on Jerome

A week ago on 25th of September, the Jerome-Gun Hill BID organized its annual street festival. As always the fair was a resounding success. Large crowds came to enjoy the music, food and shopping on Jerome Ave between Gun Hill Road and Mosholu Parkway.

I hope you enjoy the photographs.

Grand Dominican Parade

July 25 2010 was a HOT Sunday for most of the day before the weather changed its mind and blew down trees. It was also the 20th Anniversary of the Grand Dominican Parade in the Bronx. Walking down the Grand Concourse, I found myself rubbing shoulders with over 2000 marchers and many more spectators. People enjoying their culture with pride, a beautiful Kaleidoscope of colors, a photographers dream. I did not notice the heat or the exhaustion during my time spent with the happy and energetic marching bands, artists, elected officials and a variety of other groups showcasing Dominican culture. Like a child in a candy store, in my minds eye I saw a gazillion images, many slipped away, some I bottled. Hope you enjoy the slide show, it was a privilege and a pleasure making the photographs. Have an experiment in mind. I would like to make contact with the people in the photographs, would you like to help me? If you know anyone in the photographs, please get in touch with me at lens(at)rawlat.com

Alonzo King LINE Ballet at the Lehman Center

Alonzo King LINES Ballet of San Francisco, a celebrated contemporary ballet company, performed in the Bronx at the Lehman Center for the Preforming Arts on the 10th of January 2010. For me the experience of the performance was PRIMAL with tears. I was torn between experiencing the whole performance or making frames. I hope you enjoy these photographs, I certainly enjoyed making them. The Lehman Center has many great shows coming up in the next few weeks, please check their website for more details.

MOMIX in the Bronx

First day of November: MOMIX performed in the Bronx for the first time in their quarter century of existence. Audience at the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts were treated to a world class show by director Moses Pendleton. The dancer-illusionists combined athletic dance, riveting music, dramatic costumes, innovative props, talent and a lot of hard practice to create an entertaining, powerful, surreal experience. It was a pleasure making these photographs. I hope you enjoy them too.

Fire Guts 10+ stores in Norwood Bronx.

October 31 2009: An early Saturday morning 5 alarm fire gutted 10+ stores on the corner of East 204 street and Bainbridge ave. After receiving a phone call from a friend, I rushed to the location at about 3:30 am. The air was filled with a light drizzle and thick heavy smoke. Our brave fire fighters fought hard to bring the fire under control. Its with a sad heart I bring you these photographs as this is a big blow to my neighborhood.

Partial list of businesses effected by the fire:
1) Yasmins Barber Shop
2) Candy & Grocery
3) Plaza Rio Nilo Records
4) Dunkin' Donuts
5) ZNS Realty Corp
6) Bainbridge Fish Market
7) Neighborhood Gift & Wireless
8) European Minimarket
9) Bainbridge Bakery and pastry
10) El Diamante Poblano II Restaurant
11) Betty's Place
12) Ming Wong

We shall have FUN

On the corner of Putnam Place and Reservoir Oval East, I saw these children totally committed to enjoying themselves. I could have stood there for days making photographs, but had to leave. There is no substitute for the real thing, but here is some bottled fun, I hope you enjoy the photographs. Stay cool and have FUN!

New York Philharmonic at Van Cortlandt Park

July 16th evening, Alan Gilbert Music Director Designate of the New York Philharmonic, led the Orchestra in its performance of Mozart's Symphony No. 41, Jupiter and Mahler's Symphony No. 1. The concert ended with an encore chosen by the audience and fireworks. I hope you enjoy the photographs.